Noun

Derived terms

Translations

Today, the term Ironmonger refers to a retailer
(or wholesaler) of iron goods. This has often been expanded to
include consumer
goods made of aluminium, brass, or other metals, as well as plastics. In modern usage, it is
thus synonymous with a hardware shop. Ironmongers
often double as tinkers.

In many parts of England and
Wales, the
historical usage was similar. However in the areas where ironware and
nails
were manufactured, particularly the Black
Country, it signified a manufacturer operating under the
domestic
system, who put out iron to smiths, nailers, or other
metal workers, and then organised the distribution of the finished
products to retailers.